Location:
Antwerp, Belgium
Photographer:
Senne + Eefje
Landscaping: Groenvoorziening Vekemans and DBS Outdoor
Architecture: Co. Studio
Shower: Jonas Van Put
Located on a corner plot in Antwerp and bordering a park, this city garden is designed to feel larger than its footprint, drawing the surrounding greenery into the garden and creating a seamless connection with the landscape beyond.
The hardscaping and planting are carefully coordinated. For the hard surfaces, a single material is used: handmade bricks by Petersen Tegl. These feature throughout the driveway, terraces, paths, coping stones, and the level changes around the natural swimming pool.
The planting is lush and shows a distinct horizontal layering, giving the garden a vibrant, living appearance. The existing hedge was extended, structural elements were added, and a framework of trees was created, including both larger and smaller specimens, complemented by a diverse palette of perennial plants.
The level difference along the swimming pool slopes from the long side toward a staircase on the short side. This adds dynamism to the garden and ensures that the pool is not fully visible from every angle, giving it a more secluded feel.
The staircase also introduces a playful element: it can be used for sitting or jumping into the pool. The pool itself is lined with glazed, handmade tiles in four shades, predominantly dark green, subtly accented with light blue.
Extending from the pool, a sauna is tucked away in a wooden annex. When the sliding door is opened, the sauna, completely enclosed in glass, offers a full view of the garden, creating a private yet immersive experience.
The garden connects seamlessly with the neighbouring park, allowing the greenery to flow continuously. It is a serene space, designed for active use and to evolve beautifully with the seasons.
